Written by Nancy Kharkongor, Medical Social Work, PMR Centre, Shillong.
When supporting a patient who has lost their independence, our role goes beyond basic care. Honestly, it is about holding onto hope for them when they can't seem to find it themselves. Even a tiny spark of hope is enough to start with.
When a patient has that inner will to fight, our role as social workers is to stand right by them and help them get back their independence. From a social work perspective, this means applying our core values and ethical principles to treat our patients equally in our care. By applying them, we focus on social reintegration:
Dignity and worth of the person We treat our patients with deep respect. No matter their struggles or physical limitations, their value as a person never changes.
Acceptance: By listening without judgment, we create a safe space where they can be themselves and build real trust and rapport.
Self-Determination: Patients drive their own lives. They have the right to set their own goals and make choices, while we provide guidance to help them achieve these goals.
Individualization: We know that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. We get to know their unique background, personality, and needs so the care we provide fits them perfectly.
At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, Shillong, we know that medicine alone cannot fix a broken life. A person's home and family matter just as much as the treatment that they're undergoing. That’s why we visit them in their homes, sit down with parents and siblings, and bring patients together in groups. When they sit in a circle and talk to others going through the exact same thing, that heavy feeling of isolation starts to lift.
We also believe that everyone who comes to us for treatment and trusting us completely, is cared for under God's guidance. As our Motto says, “ With man, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.”
Zarinea's Journey to Education and Independence
Zarinea Nongkynrih has been with us since our clinic opened. From day one, she worked with determination in therapy, and progress steadily followed.
Zarinea faced a sudden, non-traumatic spinal cord injury that completely changed her life. She went from being a comfortable young woman with bright plans for the future to being completely stuck in bed, unable to move her legs. It was a massive shock, and she fell into a deep depression. Anyone would. But somehow, her inner strength kicked back in. She decided she wasn't going to let this stop her, and she set her mind on a beautiful goal by going back to college to study BSc in Psychology.
Turning that dream into reality meant we had to find an accessible college. That would be willing to hear Zarine’s plea. Unfortunately, several institutions turned her away, showing little interest in providing basic accessibility.
But that totally changed when we reached out to Martin Luther Christian University in Shillong. They truly listened. From arranging an accessible toilet to adapting classrooms, MLCU took immediate action. They focused on what really matters, which is seeing the person behind their disability and making sure that every student has an equal right to education.
Zarinea’s journey showcases a truth that goes beyond rehabilitation: accessibility is not a favour or an act of charity–it is a fundamental right. When colleges refuse to adapt infrastructure, they don't just block physical doors; they shut down potential and independence.
What made the difference in Zarinea’s recovery was a combination of two things:
- Her determination by not refusing to give up. Instead, she rebuilt her life and went on to pursue her education despite severe emotional and physical hardship.
- Having a care team that saw her as a whole person, and a college that was actually willing to make real physical changes so she could thrive.
Moreover, the attitudinal barriers that often come with disability must be addressed. We have to stop looking at people with disabilities as if they're broken. When healthcare providers and community spaces work together, this is when real rehabilitation happens. It changes the question from “what's wrong with this person?” to “how can we clear their path so that they can achieve their dreams?”
Conclusion:
Zarinea is still working very hard and her story is still being written, but her journey proves to us that hardship doesn’t have to be the end of a dream.
By stepping up, MLCU showed everyone what true inclusion looks like in practice. Every school and college in our society needs to follow their example.
As her social worker, Zarinea stands as a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Recovery isn't just about physical exercises to make muscles stronger. It’s about helping someone get their confidence, their joy, and their life back.
When we listen with empathy and break down barriers, we give determined individuals like Zarinea the platform they deserve to rise independently, learn confidently, and lead.
